The Burke Foundation and Marquette University are pleased to offer the Burke Scholarship Program, a full-tuition scholarship for Wisconsin high school students who have a passion for social justice and a commitment to serve others. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded annually to 10 academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who exhibit leadership, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community, and aspire to pursue careers that benefit the public good. Scholarship recipients may also receive a stipend for living expenses based on their financial need. 

The Burke Scholarship Program is an intensive program that links academics, career goals and engagement with the community in order to deepen scholars’ abilities as change-makers and active citizens. A significant part of the program is the commitment to serve 10 hours of community service per week during each academic semester (equal to 300 hours of community service per academic year). Additionally, the program includes weekly seminars, leadership development, peer and staff support, and extracurricular activities that are immersed in the Milwaukee community and the spirit of Jesuit education. 

The full ride scholarship is renewable each year of the recipient’s four-year (eight-semester) undergraduate program provided the recipient maintains good academic standing, meets program requirements and lives on campus all four years.  

Additional program details about this award

Please note, applications for the next cohort selection are due March 1, 2025. To apply, use your Admitted Student Page. When you login to your Admitted Student Page, click on the Scholarships and Financial Aid tab. When you click on that tab, you will scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button that says ‘Burke Scholars’. When you click that button, you will be directed to the Burke Scholars application.

Scholarship Information 

Award Amount

• Full Ride - tuition, fees, housing and food (10 awards available)

Selection Guidelines

• Wisconsin high school senior or entering first-year student following a service gap year
• Must be accepted to Marquette University prior to applying 
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community through volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, career goals and passion to make a difference
• Demonstrated academic excellence with a preferred minimum 3.75 GPA. Applicants applying under the test optional policy are eligible to apply and will be given equal consideration. 
• Applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Net Price Calculator. For any scholarships or grants that require the FAFSA, Undocumented, Dreamer and DACA students may fill out the Net Price Calculator for verification.
• International students are not eligible for this scholarship.